The renaissance of alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones: new synthetic approaches
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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Efficient Construction of Drug-like Bispirocyclic Scaffolds Via Organocatalytic Cycloadditions of α-Imino γ-Lactones and Alkylidene Pyrazolones
Published on: February 7, 2019
Russell R A Kitson1, Alessia Millemaggi, Richard J K Taylor
1Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
Abstract:
The amount of research activity concerning alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones and alpha-alkylidene-gamma-butyrolactones has increased dramatically in recent years. This Review summarizes the structural types, biological activities, and biosynthesis of these compounds, concentrating on publications from the past 10 years. Traditional approaches to alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones and alpha-alkylidene-gamma-butyrolactones are then reviewed together with novel approaches, including those from our own research group, reported more recently.
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